Environment Minister seeks detailed report on elephant deaths

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 27

Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave has sought a detailed report on the train accident in Bishnupur area of West Bengal on Friday, in which three elephants were killed.

According to a ministry statement, Dave has asked the local authorities to ascertain the exact reasons behind the accident.

He also directed state Forest Department officials to discuss the issue with Railways authorities and put in place appropriate measures for the conservation of elephants.

The Environment Ministry has initiated steps to prepare a Regional Landscape Plan for the conservation of elephants in the East Central Elephant Landscape, comprising the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and other elephant areas.

The West Bengal Forest Department has also prepared a three-year action plan for controlling human-elephant conflict in south Bengal. The Forest Department will send SMS alerts to Railway authorities on the movement of elephants near railway tracks to prevent accidents.

State Forest Department officials are also holding a meeting with Railway authorities on Saturday, following Friday’s train accident in Bishnupur area of West Bengal, the statement added.